MC6+-+Water

= MARSH CREEK SITE 6 = = WATER QUALITY =

__Methods and Parameters__
Testing was done and data collected every time we visited the stream (June 14, 21, and 28) for the basic physical and chemical parameters of Marsh Creek, which according to Georgia Adopt-A-Stream (AAS), allows for "specific water quality characteristics" to by analyzed. According to AAS, basic physical parameters include air and water temperatures, relative humidity, and water conductivity. Chemical data includes pH levels, dissolved oxygen, Nitrate-Nitrogen, and Phosphate. All data was collected in the field except coliform, Nitrate-Nitrogen, and Phosphate, which was tested in a controlled laboratory setting. Thermometers were used for collected air/water temperatures; two samples were taken each time. A wet/dry bulb thermometer was used to collect data about relative humidity; one sample taken each time. On site lab testing kits were used to collect data about DO and pH; two samples were taken each time. A probe was placed in the water for a specific amount of time to test for conductivity; two samples were taken each time. Nitrate-Nitrogen and Phosphate levels were tested in a lab setting using a combination of chemical solution and tablets; one test performed each time. Coliform data was performed in a lab setting: three inoculations with 1.00 mL of sample water plus one control were implemented for each water sample collection. The samples were incubated for 24 hours at constant temperature and then the coliform colonies were counted.

All methodologies for physical and chemical stream monitoring strictly followed GA-Adopt-A-Stream guidelines. Follow the links below for a complete overview of the methodologies observed in this project and the GA-AAS Complete Manual.


 * Methodology for all Sites**
 * [|GA-Adopt-A-Stream: Complete Manual - Biological & Chemical Stream Monitoring]**

__Data__
The following charts and graphs displayed were created using raw data that was collected in both the field and laboratory; the water and site under observation and testing is located at Marsh Creek Site 6.


 * Table MC1**. This table displays the observed amount of E. Coli colifom colonies after a 24 hour incubation period. The results include an average of 3 different 1.00 mL water samples taken from the same original water sample collected at Marsh Creek Site 6. This site has alarmingly high levels of coliform, which we speculate may be from a nearby sewage pipe that is possibly leaking.


 * Table MC2**. This table displays the observed amount of Nitrate-Nitrogens and Phosphates found in the water samples taken from Marsh Creek Site 6. These two compounds are generally good indicators of fertilizer run-off into the streams. As seen in the data collected, there seems to be an insignificant amount of Nitrates and Phosphates in the stream, indicating a low amount of fertilizer run-off into this portion of the watershed.
 * Chart MC1**. This chart compares the average of two samples of both dissolved oxygen found in the stream of Marsh Creek Site 6 and the observed water temperature at the time of the DO collection. The normal trend of a converse relationship between water temperature and DO is not seen in this chart, indicating either an inomalie or some sort of experimental error.
 * Chart MC2**. This chart shows the average of collected data of two samples of pH taken from water collected from Marsh Creek Site 6 within a 10 minute time period. On each testing date, the corresponding two tests yielded the same results showing that the data collected was relatively accurate. Even though the pH was slighly acidic, this range of pH observed it normal and to be expected of water.
 * Chart MC3**. This chart compares air temperature and relative humidity taken around the same time for each date at Marsh Creek Site 6. In this chart a trend is visible that the two seem to have a converse relationship. It should be noted that the day before June 14 there was about .92 inches of rain, which may or may not account for the high humidity.


 * Chart MC4**. This chart displays the average conductivity of two different samples taken and observed in the water of Marsh Creek Site 6. The ** on June 14 indicates the date in which no data was retrieved. Also, the * on June 21 indicates that only one conductivity sample was collected. From the collected data, a pattern appears to indicate that the conductivity is not fluctuating very much at this particular site.

Main Page | Overview | Map | Stream | Water | Bacterial | Urban Ecology | Conclusion | Site